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RE: General Tour Chat

PITTSBURGH -- The fear is gone. The doubt too for that matter. Ditto the hesitation. A year into his comeback from the concussion-like symptoms that nearly derailed Sidney Crosbys career, the Pittsburgh Penguins superstar is back atop the NHL scoring race thanks to his unparalleled mix of artistry, speed and grit. It wasnt the avalanche of points -- 50 and counting heading into Fridays game against the New York Islanders -- that let Crosbys teammates know their captain was back at the top of his considerable powers. No, the proof lay in the tight places around the net where Crosby makes his living better than anyone else. "To play down low in the defensive zone against him is a nightmare," Penguins forward Craig Adams said. "Its a long way back, but I cant imagine a guy playing better than he is right now. You cant get the puck from him." Perhaps because Crosby doesnt have to worry about getting knocked around so much anymore. Dont get him wrong, the game has never been faster. The players have never been bigger and hes never drawn more attention. Yet thanks to a series of rule changes made by the league and a shift in attitude by the guys wearing the sweaters, players say the NHL is as safe now as its perhaps ever been. "I can only speak to the games we played in, theres been a difference," Pittsburgh defenceman Brooks Orpik said. "I think guys are a little bit more conscious, a little more respectful." In the 2-plus years since Crosby sustained a concussion following a blindside hit from Washingtons David Steckel in the 2011 Winter Classic, the league has outlawed shots to the head entirely and given senior vice-president of player safety Brendan Shanahan great leeway in handing out punishment for dangerous plays. Though Crosby says its still too early to tell whether the steps taken by the league have made any impact on the number of concussions sustained by players, he does see evidence of guys playing more under control. "I know its changed from my first couple years, thats for sure," Crosby said. "The game is much tighter." Crosby pointed to the average number of penalties as evidence that sticks, elbows, etc., arent flying quite as much as they used to. Teams are averaging 3.6 power-play opportunities a game this season, down from 5.8 per game during Crosbys rookie year in 2005-06. Part of the decline can be attributed to the decreasing amount of open ice. After offences flourished following the 2004-05 lockout, the pendulum has swung back to more conservative, defensive-minded schemes. The result is more clutching and grabbing, sure, but also a decision by players to avoid the kind of unnecessary penalties that can tilt games. It doesnt always lead to thrilling hockey, but it can lead to smarter, safer play. "Obviously everyone needs to protect their heads and do the right thing in that mindset," Nashville forward David Legwand said. "But we also want to win hockey games and play the right way." The definition of what "right way" is, however, remains entirely up for interpretation. Where some players see progress, New York Rangers coach John Tortorella sees a problem. Tortorella believes the game has become almost too sanitized, particularly the closer to the goal the puck gets. "Underneath the hashmarks, I think you need to let us play a little bit more," he said. "And I kind of miss that part of it. I know its not going to come back to that. But I thought that was a big part of hockey back in those years, and we certainly cant do those type of things now." Tortorella isnt embracing brutality as much as he is vocalizing what is, in some ways, an identity crisis for many contact sports. Hockey is trying to preserve the spirit of the game while also protecting the health of its players. Getting hard data on concussions is difficult because many teams remain vague about the nature of an injury, often never getting more specific than "upper body" and "lower body." Even the Penguins -- one of the few progressive franchises in the league when it comes to discussing such matters -- grew reticent when reigning NHL MVP Evgeni Malkin left a game against Florida last month after sliding into the end boards. Pittsburgh declined to label Malkins injury as a concussion until two days had passed. The play in question, unlike the hit that sent Crosbys career into crisis, however, was clean. And the league understands that no amount of legislation will be able to eradicate head trauma from the game for good. Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland believes the number of players diagnosed with concussions this season are down compared to last year but even he is working mostly off anecdotal evidence. "I think were doing as good of a job as we ever have in protecting our players," he said. "But, when you have 6-foot-2, 200-plus pound players on skates going 25 miles per hour and theyre hitting each other, youre going to have some injuries." Dont mistake positive steps, however, for victory. Every week Shanahan is forced to review tape of questionable plays. Buffalo forward Patrick Kaleta received a five-game suspension three weeks ago after sending New York Rangers forward Brad Richards into the boards. Philadelphias Harry Zolnierczyk sat four games for launching his shoulder at the head of Ottawas Mike Lundin. Both penalties -- like all others handed out by the league -- were accompanied by a video from Shanahan breaking down the play and explaining what the guilty player did wrong. Coaches can then use the video as teaching moments during team meetings. Adapting can take time. Yet there are success stories. Pittsburgh forward Matt Cooke was considered one of the leagues dirtiest players two years ago but has cleaned up his act to the point where when he does something wrong, it is almost a shock. He earned a rare double-minor for boarding and unsportsmanlike conduct in a win over Washington on Tuesday. Cooke said he knew he needed to change if he wanted to extend his career. And even players who lack Cookes pedigree as an enforcer have taken a hard look at how they go about their business. Adams, a grinder who has spent 12 years in the NHL as an aggressive forechecker, admits there are times he gets frustrated when he skates 200 feet only to have an opposing player intentionally turn his back to Adams to try and invite a penalty. Yet Adams -- and most of his brethren -- understand the need to hold up instead of following through. Mistakes will happen. So will concussions. Yet Adams sees a league trying to maintain a portion of its soul while also getting rid of the kind of cheap shots that almost prematurely ended Crosbys career. "Were avoiding those hits," he said. "I think its starting to get into the culture that thats not OK." Jaguars #14 Jersey .E.I. Rocket hockey team in Charlottetown. Trent Birt, the teams vice-president of operations, says the deal came together Friday. Maurice Jones-Drew Jersey . But Jose Reyes wasnt the focal point of Novembers blockbuster 12-player trade that made him a member of the Toronto Blue Jays. The club officially unveiled its new star shortshop on Thursday, however when general manager Alex Anthopoulos first called the Miami Marlins about making a deal, it initially involved pitchers Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle. [url=http://www.jaguarssportsgear.com/pink-maurice-jones-drew-womens-jersey-ew-53.html]http://www.jaguarssportsgear.com/pink-maurice-jones-drew-womens-jersey-ew-53.html . -- Claudio Bieler scored two goals, the second on a penalty kick, and Jimmy Nielsen recorded his club-record 38th career shutout as Sporting Kansas City beat Chivas USA 4-0 on Sunday. Jaguars Maurice Jones-Drew Jersey .C. Place Stadium will host the first-ever World Cup soccer final on artificial turf in 2015. White Maurice Jones-Drew Jersey . All exhibition games for the Winnipeg Jets played at the MTS Centre will begin at 7pm ct. The Jets will open the seven-game exhibition schedule with a first-ever visit to Rexall Place in Edmonton to face the Edmonton Oilers on Monday, Sept.It will be headhunter Uriah Hall against underdog Kevin Gastelum for bragging rights in Season 17 of "the Ultimate Fighter." The two middleweight finalists, both from coach Chael Sonnens team, will meet Saturday night in Las Vegas in the live finale of the reality TV show. The winning fighter gets a contract to fight in the UFC and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Others from the cast will likely follow him given the UFC considers the TV show to be its minor league pipeline. In the taped episode that aired Tuesday night, Hall stopped Dylan Andrews by second-round TKO while Gastelum submitted Josh Samman. Both losers were from coach Jon (Bones) Jones team. The two coaches will meet at UFC 159 on April 27 in Newark, N.J. By virtue of sending two fighters to the final, Sonnen also wins a Harley-Davidson. Hall was the third fighter picked when the coaches chose teams. Gastelum was the penultimate at 13th. Hall, 28, has been a freight train all season. The Jamaican-born New Yorker had two highlight-light reel stoppages, knocking out Adam Cella with a spinning heel kick and flooring Bubba McDaniels with a punch. Both losers were on the canvas for a while. "This kid is the nastiest, deadliest, meanest, kid that we have ever seen in the history of TUF," said UFC president Dana White. "You are a contender for the (UFC) title," Sonnen told Hall after his quarter-final win over McDaniels. ";I spent five years in that weight class and youre a contender.dddddddddddd" Andrews, the last fighter picked, came forward at Hall in a first round fought entirely on the feet. But Hall scored more and had the heavier kicks and strikes. Thanks to Halls jab, Andrews had a mouse under his right eye and a lumpy face by the time the round had ended. Hall rebuffed a takedown attempt in the second. His punches continued to take a toll, bloodying Andrews face. Andrews finally got Hall down about half through the round, but Hall worked for a kimura submission from the bottom and then starting striking from below. He suddenly reversed position and hammered down blows on Andrews until the referee stepped in with seconds remaining in the round. "My heart hurts more than my face does," said an emotional Andrews, a New Zealand native who lives in Australia. At 6-3, Samman had five inches in height and seven in reach on the 21-year-old Gastelum. But Gastelum had an advantage on the ground and made the most of it in the first round. That led to a rear naked choke, with Samman never really getting his game going. "Im just in shock right now," said Samman, the fourth pick who had not been short of confidence on the show. Arizonas Gastelum advanced to the final with a submission win over McDaniels, who returned to the competition via a wild card after losing, and knocked out Collin Hart. ' ' '

RE: General Tour Chat

TORONTO – Looking for a leg up this summer, Darryl Boyce packed up and moved back east. There on Prince Edward Island, he found himself training at the offseason home of Dion Phaneuf. "He called me and he said I dont want to impose, but would it be possible to work out at your gym?" said Phaneuf, who makes his summer home on the island. "I said Not a problem at all. I told him what time the workouts were at everyday and he was there all summer long." From working out with tractor tires in the vast open fields to grueling bike rides in the crisp eastern Canadian air, Boyce teamed with the Leafs captain this summer for three solid months of offseason preparation. "The way a guy like him, a big known name around the league, how he trains and prepares was this sort of eye-opener for me," said Boyce, who moved home to P.E.I. from his former offseason dwelling in New Brunswick. "I think it was a great opportunity to train with the captain and the leader of this team." After an unexpected and largely successful run of forty-six games with the Leafs last season, Boyce is now engaged in a training camp battle with former Colorado Avalanche pivot Phillipe Dupuis for the teams fourth-line centre job. "Thats a battle-zone right there between those two guys," said Ron Wilson, following the second day of on-ice workouts at Mastercard Centre. Boyces rise is what youd consider unlikely. The 27-year-old was recalled from the Marlies in late December last season, largely expected to play one game and one game only with Mikhail Grabovski tending to his pregnant girlfriend. With a constant stream of energy and enthusiasm, the one game stint quickly grew into a year-long presence with Boyce evolving into a favourite of the head coach. During exit interviews with Wilson last spring, more of the same was preached for the 2011-2012 campaign. "They just told me point blank that they didnt know much about me until I got here and when I got here I got the opportunity to shine and I brought that for forty-six games last year," ," said Boyce, who notched five goals and 13 points (plus-8 rating). "They just said just keep your nose to the grindstone, dont change who you are; just because you played in the NHL dont try and change your game and be a different type of person. Coming into camp Im still trying to stay humble and have that grit and intensity to make this team again." Training with Phaneuf was a good start. Sprinkling in more cardio work (particularly on the bike) to improve his endurance, Boyce surpassed all of his fitness testing goals from last season and is in prime shape to wrestle a job back this fall. The 26-year-old Dupuis—a strong two-way centreman with penalty killing ability—is poised to offer a challenge. "He knows hes in a fight here for a job," said Phaneuf. "[But] he definitely worked hard and he gave himself the best opportunity by the way that he trained." -- A native of Laval, Quebec, Dupuis enjoyed his first full NHL campaign with the Avalanche last season, totaling seventy-four games. Stuck behind a talented trio of centremen in Denver—Matt Duchene, Paul Stastny, and Ryan OReilly—the 26-year-old averaged just over nine minutes of ice-time, totaling six goals and 17 points. "Im here to make a spot for myself," he said. "Im here to make a name for myself. I want to play with this team. I want to play the entire year and I want to be good for the guys." -- Matt Frattin is settling into his first NHL training camp. The 23-year-old is on the outskirts of a job with the Leafs this fall, dueling with 20-year-old incumbent Nazem Kadri for a spot on the third line. "I think Im right in the mix," said Frattin, who played alongside Joe Colborne and Joey Crabb during the second batch of scrimmages on Sunday. "Definitely feel good out there strength-wise and speed-wise. I think Ive just got to work on my defensive zone a little more, just kind of getting a little sloppy. And then on the offensive side, Im just trying to pick corners a little too much." The former North Dakota star nearly scored a pair during the Sunday scrimmages, but was stopped on two breakaways by former Cornell star and nemesis Ben Scrivens. -- Wilson was typically coy in discussing his goaltending plans for the upcoming exhibition schedule, which includes five games in the next six nights. "I have four guys to pick from," said Wilson of a goalie mix that includes James Reimer, Jonas Gustavsson, Ben Scrivens and Mark Owuya. "Four guys will dress over the next three days and probably just three of them will play." Owuya is likely the odd man out for game-action. Jussi Rynnas meanwhile, suffered a minor injury during the first two days of camp and is likely to sit. Guelph goaltender Garret Sparks is not expected to dress at any point. Reimer and Gustavsson will split the final four exhibition tilts. As for lineups, Wilson indicated a constant sea of changes. "Ive got all this stuff penciled in," he said. "Cant do it in ink because night to night things happen in terms of injuries. We made a few changes from what I had put down [Sunday] morning after watching the scrimmages the last two days, putting a couple of guys in whove earned it and taking one person out who I didnt think deserve to be in a exhibition game in the first three." cheap jerseys china us . -- Dorell Wright seized the opportunity to step into the starting lineup in place of the injured Jason Richardson and responded with his best scoring performance of the season. cheapjerseyschinaus.biz . -- Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo was suspended for the third time this calendar year on Thursday when the NBA told him to sit out two games without pay for starting a skirmish that sent players sprawling into the courtside seats. [url=http://www.cheapjerseyschinaus.biz/]http://www.cheapjerseyschinaus.biz/ . Sanchez hurt his knee in Tuesday nights 9-0 win over the Atlanta Braves. An MRI on Wednesday confirmed the sprain. The Giants recalled catcher Eli Whiteside from Triple-A Fresno to move into Sanchezs role as Buster Poseys backup. cheap china jerseys . The Raptors sent centre Hamed Haddadi -- who never played for Toronto -- and a conditional second-round pick to the Suns. The deal gives Toronto a third point guard, joining Kyle Lowry and John Lucas. cheap custom nfl jerseys . Knicks general manager Glen Grunwald made the announcement Tuesday, one day after the team released Solomon Jones.MONTREAL -- Michael Ryder is making Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin look like a genius. A two-goal performance in a 4-1 victory over the slumping Winnipeg Jets on Thursday gave Ryder nine in 17 games since Bergevin got the veteran right winger and a third round draft pick from the Dallas Stars for Erik Cole in a Feb. 26 trade. Many questioned the deal at the time, but Cole was struggling in Montreal and Ryder has been hot from the outset with eight goals and eight assists since returning to the city where he began his NHL career. "I was used to the city and I knew a few guys here," said Ryder, who left as a free agent for Boston four seasons ago and then signed with Dallas last summer. "It was my first time getting traded, so that was the biggest part of it all. "But the guys welcomed me in and made me feel comfortable right away. I just tried to come in and do what I can to help the team keep winning." Ryder also set up a goal by rookie Alex Galcheyuk, while Brian Gionta had the other goal for Montreal (24-8-5). Alexander Burmistrov got his first goal in 18 games for the Jets (18-19-2), who were swept on a three-game road trip to stretch their losing streak to five. Their anemic attack has scored six goals, only three of them by forwards, in the five losses. With the defeat, Winnipeg gave up first spot in the Southwest Division to Washington and dropped out of playoff position -- from third place to 10th -- in the Eastern Conference. The Jets have nine games left -- seven of them at home -- to try to claw their way back into a playoff spot. They start a six-game homestand Saturday against Philadelphia. "Its not like we dont know whats going on," said coach Claude Noel. "I dont think you can expect to lose five straight games and expect that things arent going to change. "We know that if we continue down this road it isnt good. Thats why theres urgency. Were running out of games. We know that." The Canadiens were coming off a 4-3 loss 24 hours earlier in Philadelphia, but as they have done consistently this season, they bounced back with a win. It was the third time they responded one day after a loss with a clear win. "It was another great effort for us," said Gionta. "Back to back games are not easy in this league and weve done a great job on them this year, especially when weve lost the first one." It was a special night for the veteran back-up goalie Peter Budaj, who made 33 saves to improve to 6-1-1. He had his father, a brother and an uncle over from Slovakia among the crowd of 21,273 at the Bell Centre. "My uncle never saw me play before, so that was fun," he said. "I was glad I was able to get the start at the Bell Centre in front of a home crowd. "Im very appreciative of that, and the team played great iin front of me.dddddddddddd" Winnipeg struck first as Burmistrov was left unguarded on the left side to bang Grant Clitsomes pass into an open net 8:16 into the game. Montreal got it back on a power play at 10:47 as Ryder was alone at the edge of the crease to push Giontas rebound past Ondrej Pavelec. Ryder got his second of the night has he fired the rebound of a P.K. Subban shot past a screened Pavelec 2:03 into the second frame. Subban has eight points in his last five contests. Gionta was at the net and had Lars Ellers shot go in off him on a power play at 5:51. The Canadiens captain said the shot went in off his "upper thigh. "I apologized (to Eller) for getting in the way, but Ill take it any time," the five-foot-seven Gionta said. "Good thing Im tall, eh?" The Jets felt they had a power-play goal early in the third, but Tobias Enstroms score was called back because Blake Wheeler had bumped Budaj in the crease. Galchenyuk sealed the victory when he was at the doorstep to lift in a puck flipped into the crease area by Ryder 7:43 into the third. "Were in a funk and when you get trapped into those funks, things start to go awry and you have to try to get back on a winning streak," said Jets forward Evander Kane, who thrashed Alexei Emelin in a third period fight but got an extra 10 minutes when he pulled off the Montreal defencemans helmet and nearly hit him with it. "That happens all the time. Youre trying to get the other guys helmet off and sometimes it gets caught in your hand when youre trying to throw a punch. Thats what happened. Im not going to feel sorry about that." Dustin Byfuglien started the game at forward, was switched back to defence and sat a spell on the bench. And Noel didnt like how he played on the Galchenyuk goal. "I dont think he was very effective up front," Noel said. "This isnt the first time they put a puck at the net and hes standing beside the guy without taking his stick, so after a while, it just cant continue down that road. You have to make changes." The Canadiens edged the Jets 4-3 in Montreal on Jan. 29. Winnipeg closes out the regular season at home against Montreal on April 25. A team called the Winnipeg Jets has not won in Montreal since the former franchise (now the Phoenix Coyotes) did it on March 14, 1985. Notes: Enstrom played his 400th NHL game. . . Mike Santorelli, claimed on waivers from Florida, played his first Jets game as Nik Antropov sat out with a lower body injured sustained Tuesday on Long Island. . . Clitsome returned from one game with an eye injury. . . Montreal was without Tomas Plekanec, who has a suspected groin injury. Gabriel Dumont was recalled from AHL Hamilton but didnt dress as Ryan White returned from a six-game injury layoff. ' ' '

RE: General Tour Chat

Recovery is an aspect of training that is getting significant attention right now because research is revealing the various techniques you can use between workouts that will have an important effect on your response to training. By understanding and applying the science of recovery and regeneration, you can plan effectively to ensure that you give your body the help it needs to repair, heal, and grow. This is the key to becoming "the 24 hour athlete." Recovery and Regeneration The essential idea that every 24 hour athlete needs to embrace is that your attention and effort do not end when your workout is over. Because the healing and repair process is as important, if not more important, to your fitness as the actual running training, there are several things you can do when you are not pounding the pavement. In effect, fitness and training are a way of life – not just something you do when your stopwatch is running. The first stage of an effective recovery is a proper cool down, which I prefer to call "active recovery." By staying in motion at roughly 50-55% of your maximum level of exertion for a period of time after your workout – typically 10-15 minutes – you help your body remove metabolic waste products such as acids and potassium that have built up in our muscles and blood during your run. Low intensity exercise helps to increase circulation to your muscles. This is important because the longer acids and other metabolites like lactic acid (or lactate and hydrogen ions) are in your muscle fibres, the less time your body has available to work on rebuilding your muscle glycogen stores.1 If your mitochondria are battling with waste products and processing lactate, they are spending less time converting glucose into the glycogen you will need for your next run. Inflammation and Regeneration A critical phase of the recovery process is the inflammatory response that occurs as a result of exercise and training. When muscle fibres are damaged, inflammatory cells called neutrophils and macrophages move to the area and help break down and remove damaged tissue. The inflammatory process in the muscle also involves increased flow of fluids to the exercised areas, which can cause swelling and soreness. Another key step in the inflammatory process is that our body produces a powerful hormone called insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). This hormone instructs satellite cells to initiate repairs to damaged muscle fibres and begin producing new ones. This is an example of the intra-muscular response that takes place after a resistance training workout in the gym, or a hills or interval running session. The inflammatory process can take up to 72 hours to complete, so you have to make sure that you mix your hard workout days with easier training to give your body the time it needs to repair muscles and for the inflammatory response to work its magic. Inflammation is a critical healing process, and if you interfere with it you can limit your physiological progress as an athlete. Anti inflammation techniques like anti-inflammatory medicines (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories or NSAIDS), cold tubs which constrict blood vessels, or compression clothing are gaining popularity because they may reduce post-workout soreness and pain but may actually slow your progress because they block or impair the inflammation process that signals the body to rebuild itself in response to the training stress. Your body needs the process of breaking down, experiencing inflammation, and making the repairs in order to develop and improve! That said, compression clothing and cold baths can be useful as you approach a race to decrease pain and to blunt the inflammatory response when you are not in the development phase of your training. They can also be helpful if you are planning 2 workouts on the same day, or if you are planning on 2 hard training days back-to-back. I know this is complicated so work with your coach to determine when its best for you to use, or not use techniques that "speed" recovery from intense exercise. Improve Your Performance Here are some keys to using regeneration to become a 24 hour athlete: - Cool down for 10-15 minutes after you work out - Let your bodys natural inflammatory response occur during your training phases so that you can maximize regeneration - Use recovery techniques strategically, not all the time It is a mental shift to think of recovery as an active process, which is why so many of us dont do it properly. Taking care of your body requires that you commit to being a 24 hour athlete and that you put as much effort into helping your body adapt between workouts as you do in the training sessions themselves. References Vescovi J, Falenchuk O, Wells, GD. Blood lactate concentration and clearance in elite swimmers during competition. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2011 Mar;6(1):106-17. Greg Wells Ph.D. (www.drgregwells.com, @drgregwells) is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto in the Faculties of Medicine and Kinesiology. He was the sport science analyst for the Olympic Broadcast Consortium during the 2010 & 2012 Games, and is the author of Superbodies: Peak Performance Secrets from the Worlds Best Athletes. Jessica Caterini is a member of the Human Physiology Research Unit in the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Toronto. http://www.drgregwells.comhttp://www.twitter.com/drgregwellshttp://www.superbodies.tvKellen Winslow Jersey For Sale . 19 Illinois to a 41-20 victory over Indiana on Saturday. Scheelhaase threw a 77-yard touchdown pass to A.J. Jenkins and Tavon Wilson returned a fumble 66 yards for a score in a three-minute span in the first quarter, pushing the Fighting Illini (6-0, 2-0 Big Ten) out of an early 10-0 hole. Lance Alworth Jersey For Sale . PAUL, Minn. [url=http://www.chargerssportsgear.com/Chargers-Kellen-Winslow-Nike-Jersey-Ga-76.html]http://www.chargerssportsgear.com/Chargers-Kellen-Winslow-Nike-Jersey-Ga-76.html . The Philadelphia Eagles star will speak to about 450 grads of the Camelot schools, which serve at-risk youth. Camelot CEO Todd Bock said Monday that Vicks life story and his perseverance through adversity will resonate with students. Elite Dan Fouts Jersey .C. -- Serena Williams had completed a dazzling display of tennis to dominate her opponent and advance to her fourth finals of the year at the Family Circle Cup on Saturday. chargerssportsfanstore.com .4 seconds left on the clock as Temple survived for a 66-64 win over Penn State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.Find out where the worlds best fighters stand in the latest edition of the TSN.ca mixed martial arts rankings. For a breakdown of the UFC champions click here. Heavyweight 1) Junior Dos Santos2) Cain Velasquez3) Alistair Overeem4) Fabricio Werdum5) Frank Mir Didnt Make The Cut: Shane Carwin, Daniel Cormier, Josh Barnett Light Heavyweight 1) Jon Jones2) Dan Henderson3) Rashad Evans4) Mauricio (Shogun) Rua5) Lyoto Machida Didnt Make The Cut: Alexander Gustafsson, Phil Davis, Ryan Bader Middleweight 1) Anderson Silva2) Chael Sonnen3) Mark Munoz4) Vitor Belfort5) Michael Bisping Didnt Make The Cut: Tim Boetsch, Brian Stann, Hector Lombard Welterweight 1) Georges St.dddddddddddd Pierre2) Carlos Condit3) Nick Diaz4) Johny Hendricks5) Jake Ellenberger Didnt Make The Cut: Jon Fitch, Josh Koscheck, Rory MacDonald Lightweight 1) Ben Henderson2) Frankie Edgar 3) Gilbert Melendez4) Gray Maynard5) Nate Diaz Didnt Make The Cut: Anthony Pettis, Jim Miller, Clay Guida Featherweight 1) Jose Aldo2) Hatsu Hioki3) Pat Curran4) Chan Sung Jung5) Chad Mendes Didnt Make The Cut: Erik Koch, Dustin Poirier, Dennis Siver Bantamweight 1) Dominick Cruz 2) Urijah Faber3) Renan Barao4) Brian Bowles5) Michael McDonald Didnt Make The Cut: Scott Jorgensen, Bibiano Fernandes, Brad Pickett ' ' '

RE: General Tour Chat

MONTREAL -- There didnt seem to be any pressure on rookies Brendan Gallagher and Alex Galchenyuk the day after they were told they would be staying with the Montreal Canadiens. The linemates put up two points each, with 20-year-old Gallagher scoring his second goal of the season, as the Canadiens stretched their winning streak to four games with a 4-3 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night. "Theres always going to be pressure on me, but you dont want to take your foot off the pedal," said the stocky, five-foot-eight Gallagher, who has four points in as many NHL games. "You want to play the same way and show the coaches that youre not going to relax just because they gave you the good news." The 18-year-old Galchenyuk, the third overall pick in the June draft, had a pair of assists and has five points in five games to start his NHL career. Tomas Plekanecs tie-breaking power play goal 5:31 into the third period was the game-winner for Montreal (4-1-0). Rene Bourque and Erik Cole each had their first of the season for the Canadiens, while Olli Jokinen had his first as a Jet. Nik Antropov and Blake Wheeler also scored for Winnipeg (3-2-1), which ended a three-game winning run. First-year general manager Marc Bergevin ended debate over whether Galchenyuk should be sent back to the junior Sarnia Sting and Gallagher to the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs when it was announced Monday the two had made the team. Gallagher, a fifth-round pick in 2010, responded with a performance that earned him first star honours and prolonged applause from the 21,273 Bell Centre fans. Galchenyuk was named second star. "As a line, we just try to take care of our end and try to bring momentum and help the team," said Gallagher, whose unit also has tough winger Brandon Prust. "Were having a lot of fun as a team. "Its early in the season, but its going great so far." The Canadiens built a 2-0 lead only to see the opportunistic Jets take the lead in the second. Cole tied the game at 15:08 with assists from the rookies when he shovelled the puck in from the edge of the crease just after a power play ended. Plekanec got the game-winner on a blast from the right circle that went in off defenceman Ron Hainseys skate. The Jets had two late power plays, including one when Prust was called for diving after being hit from behind by Antropov. They didnt convert. "We had an opportunity to make it a game with two power plays in the third but we never got it in the zone with possession," said Winnipeg coach Claude Noel. "Then they come down and put one in off Hainseys skate. "It is what it is. It was 3-3 and we had a chance to win the game if we were patient, but we got the power plays and didnt capitalize." Bourque scored on a blast from outside the right circle on a power play that Ondrej Pavelec waved at 8:04 into the game, and Gallagher made it 2-0 with a shot off a rush that went in off the crossbar at 14:22. "One of the nicer ones Ill score, I guess," said the left winger, who gets most of his goals jamming pucks from the crease. Wheeler got one back as a bouncing shot got over Carey Prices arm on a power play at 16:10. A Jets power play had just ended but there was still heavy pressure in the Montreal zone when Antropov fired Bryan Littles rebound into an open side 3:32 into the second frame. Jokinen put Winnipeg ahead at 11:48 when he snapped a shot under the crossbar after a David Desharnais turnover in the neutral zone. The Jets went 1-for-6 on the power play while Montreals continued to click at 2-for-5. The top guns with the man advantage are point men Andrei Markov and Rafael Diaz, who had two assists each and share the team lead with seven points. Markov missed most of the last two seasons with consecutive knee ligament surgeries. It wasnt long ago that he was quarterback of one of the NHLs best power play units. "I remember back when we played with Kovy (Alex Kovalev) and Marky (Markov) and I think we were first in the league two years in a row," said Plekanec. "I feel its pretty much the same now. "He has a huge impact on our team, not only on the power play." Backup Peter Budaj is set to make his first start of the season in goal as the Canadiens face the Senators in Ottawa on Wednesday night. The Jets started a three-game road trip that takes them to Florida on Thursday and Tampa on Friday. Notes: The last time a team named Winnipeg Jets won in Montreal was March 1985. ... P.K. Subban will join the Canadiens in Ottawa on Wednesday but it is uncertain when he will play. Likely on the weekend. ... Defenceman Tomas Kaberle returned to the Montreal lineup, bumping Yannick Weber. ... Rookie Mark Scheifele was among Winnipegs scratches along with Anthony Peluso and Zach Redmond. Elite Sonny Jurgensen Jersey . Erik Karlsson had a goal and two assists as the Senators spoiled the Jets home opener with a 4-1 victory Saturday afternoon. "I thought the game was played a little bit like a dogs breakfast . Alfred Morris Jersey . Leblanc earned Offensive Player of the Week honors after tying season highs for goals (four), assists (five) and points (nine) to lead Toronto in scoring during its 19-12 loss to Colorado on Saturday. [url=http://www.redskinssportsgear.com/Clinton-Portis-Jersey-jc-37.html]http://www.redskinssportsgear.com/Clinton-Portis-Jersey-jc-37.html . The Goldeyes tallied six runs in the eighth inning beat the Sioux Falls Pheasants 8-2 Sunday night in the fourth game of their four-game weekend series before 2,476 fans at Sioux Falls Stadium. Youth Sonny Jurgensen Jersey . The former Canadian international served as interim Canadian mens coach in 2003, soothing the troubled waters in the wake of hard-nosed German Holger Osieck. Redskins Robert Griffin III Jersey . Jordan Zimmermann has been downright dominant. The right-hander turned in another dazzling performance with two-hit ball over eight innings, Ian Desmond hit a two-run homer in the fourth and the Nationals finally beat the Atlanta Braves, 2-0 Wednesday night.HOUSTON -- Houston Rockets point guard Kyle Lowry has had surgery to repair a sports hernia. The team said after the procedure Tuesday that he was expected to return to normal off-season training in 6-8 weeks. The 6-foot Lowry missed 19 games this season, mostly because of a bacterial infeection.dddddddddddd He sat out Houstons final two games with the sports hernia. Goran Dragic took over the starting job from Lowry in March and averaged 18 points and 8.4 assists in 28 starts. Lowry averaged 14 points and 6.6 assists in 47 games for the Rockets this season. ' ' '

RE: General Tour Chat

WASHINGTON -- John Wall had 27 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, Emeka Okafor scored the go-ahead dunk in the final minute and the Washington Wizards won their eighth straight home game Tuesday night, beating the temperamental Chicago Bulls 90-86. Wall was 8 for 17 from the field and 11 for 13 at the free throw line as the Wizards maintained pursuit of their goal of becoming the best team not to make the playoffs. They want to pass the Philadelphia 76ers and finish ninth in the Eastern Conference -- not bad for a team that started 4-28 -- and Tuesdays win left them 2 1/2 games back with eight to play. Wall is averaging 23.7 points and 8.6 assists during the home winning streak. Carlos Boozer had 19 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Bulls, who are vying for home-court advantage in the playoffs. The loss put them two games behind the fourth-place Brooklyn Nets in the East. Chicago visits Brooklyn on Thursday. One of the Bulls biggest challenges was having enough players to finish the game. Taj Gibson left in the first half with a left knee injury and did not return, and Kirk Hinrich was tossed with 3:19 to play for picking up a pair of technicals after teammate Nazr Mohammed was called for basket interference while tipping in a rebound. Boozer was whistled for a technical in the third quarter, and Hinrich and Mohammed both picked up their fourth fouls in the third. Chicago was already without Derrick Rose (left knee), Joakim Noah (right foot), Marco Belinelli (abdominal strain) and Richard Hamilton (lower back). While the Bulls are undermanned, the Wizards are about as healthy as theyve been all season. Nene returned after missing four games with a sore right knee, leaving only out-for-the-year Leandro Barbosa (left knee) as the only player not available for coach Randy Wittman. Nene finished with 10 points and seven rebounds. Neither team led by more than 10 in a game that matched teams equalized by their various injuries and motivations for the rest of the season. The Bulls did just enough to stay in front for most of three quarters, but the Wizards finally took their first lead of the game on Okafors 15-foot jumper with 3:38 to play in the third quarter. Washington lead 70-69 at the start of the fourth, and then the game became as quiet as the laid-back Verizon Center crowd. Only one point was scored in the first four minutes of the final period. Mohammeds tip-in tied the score at 71 with 7:50 to play got the game rolling again, and his later tip-in would have given the Bulls a lead had the ball not been in the cylinder. Hinrich was ejected in the aftermath of that call, but Wall made only one of two free throws to give the Wizards an 84-82 lead. Nate Robinson tied the game with a 21-foot jumper with 2:06 to play, and A.J. Price put Washington back in front with a baseline jumper with 1:41 remaining. Mohammeds putback tied the game again with 57 seconds left. Okafors dunk, on a feed from Nene, gave the Wizards an 88-86 lead with 46 seconds to play. Jimmy Butler missed a jumper for the Bulls, and Trevor Ariza made two free throws with 8 seconds remaining to give Washington the four-point margin of victory. Notes: Wall had the block of the game, using his right hand to slap away Dengs fast-break layup attempt in the second quarter. ... The Bulls committed only one turnover in the first half. ... The Wizards home winning streak is their longest since a 10-game run from Dec. 13, 2006 to Jan. 20, 2007. Orange Brian Hartline Jersey . Hornqvist suffered an upper body injury in a 6-0 win over the Oilers on Friday night when boarded by Oilers defenceman Theo Peckman. Wilson leads the Predators in both goals (seven) and points (19). He was standing at the goal line right of the Minnesota net when hit by Wild defenceman Justin Falk, pushing the forwards right side into the end boards in Saturday nights 2-1 shootout loss. Dolphins Dion Jordan Jersey . Pittsburgh has been perfect so far in March, going 9-0 to record the clubs longest winning streak since an 11-game run from Feb. 21-March 17 of last season. You can watch the game live on TSN2 at 7:30pm et/4:30pm pt. [url=http://www.dolphinssportsfanstore.com/pink-cameron-wake-womens-jersey-dp-91.html]http://www.dolphinssportsfanstore.com/pink-cameron-wake-womens-jersey-dp-91.html . Bryant scored 13 of his 42 points during a 20-0 run in the last 6:22 of the fourth quarter, and Los Angeles overcame a 25-point deficit to fend off the New Orleans Hornets, 108-102 on Wednesday night. Orange Mike Wallace Jersey . The team says the 32-year-old Morgan will join the BayStars on a one-year-deal worth $1.6 million. Morgan has a .280 batting average, 130 RBIs and 117 stolen bases over six seasons in the major leagues with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Washington Nationals and Milwaukee Brewers. Youth Dion Jordan Jersey . LOUIS -- Albert Pujols 465-foot home run got the St.LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Yasiel Puig powered the Dodgers in his second major league game, injecting the kind of excitement that has been missing all season for the last-place team. The 22-year-old Cuban defector homered twice and drove in five runs, helping Los Angeles rally for a 9-7 victory over the San Diego Padres on Tuesday night. Puig made two curtain calls from the top of the dugout steps, raising both arms to acknowledge the first one after his second homer, a two-run shot with two outs in the sixth, when the Dodgers scored three runs to snap a 6-all tie. "I want to thank the fans for coming out and supporting us," he said through a translator. "I want to do well." Batting leadoff for the second straight game, Puig hit a three-run homer — his first in the majors — on the first pitch from Padres starter Clayton Richard in the fifth, tying the game 5-all. "It looks like hes going to be a good hitter so you have to give him credit on that one," Richard said. Puig got both home run balls back as keepsakes with his parents and 17-year-old sister in attendance for the second straight night. "Im glad I hit two home runs," he said. "Im more happy because the team won." Puig became the first Dodgers player with more than one homer in his first two career games, and the first to have five RBIs in that span since Spider Jorgensen drove in six runs on April 17, 1947, against the Boston Braves, according to information provided to the Dodgers by Elias Sports Bureau. "The kid, when you trot out the offensive tools, there is some raw power in there, theres speed, there is strength to his swing," Padres manager Bud Black said. Puig had another first, albeit a not so welcome one. He committed his first throwing error that led to the Padres taking a 4-2 lead in the fourth. He went 2 for 4 in his debut on Monday night and wowed with a game-ending throw from deep right field that doubled off Chris Denorfia at first base. "Last night was storybook," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. "Tonight you were seeing the power, so its a big impact. Weve had a serious lack of power and run production, so its two things we need." Puig was 3 for 4 with a double to go with his homers. He runs hard to his position in right field, and he charges around the baseppaths.dddddddddddd "Theres an aggressiveness to the way he goes about playing baseball," Dodgers starter Ted Lilly said. "Hes up there with an intent to do damage." J.P. Howell (2-0) got the win in relief, allowing one run and two hits in 1 2-3 innings, struck out one and walked none. Brandon League pitched the ninth to earn his 13th save in 16 chances. Tyson Ross (0-2) gave up three runs and four hits in 2 1-3 innings, struck out four and walked one. Tim Federowicz went 2 for 4 with two RBIs for the Dodgers, who are 9-3 in their last 12 home games. Black was ejected by home plate umpire Tim Timmons in the eighth for arguing a call at first base on an inning-ending double play grounder by Denorfia. San Diego led 3-0 on Kyle Blanks two-run homer in the second. The Padres extended their lead to 5-2 in the fourth when Blanks scored as Puigs throw to third base sailed over Juan Uribes head, and Richard notched his first run-scoring single of the season. The Dodgers took a 6-5 lead in the fifth on Puigs homer and Hanley Ramirezs sacrifice fly. But San Diego tied it in the sixth on Denorfias RBI single. Luis Cruz, who entered the game as part of a double switch, had a two-out RBI double in the sixth that gave the Dodgers a 7-6 lead before Puigs second homer. Lilly allowed five runs and six hits in four-plus innings. The left-hander struck out three and walked two. Richard gave up six runs and five hits in 4 1-3 innings, struck out two and walked two. NOTES: Dodgers RHP Josh Beckett saw a specialist in Dallas on Tuesday who agreed with the teams diagnosis that he has nerve irritation affecting his right arm and hand. Beckett will return to the club on Wednesday to continue his rehab. Hes not expected to throw for four weeks. ... Dodgers reliever Matt Guerrier left the game in the sixth after getting hit on his right thumb by a line drive off the bat of Yasmani Grandal. X-rays were negative. ... Dodgers LHP Chris Capuano went on 15-day DL Tuesday with a left shoulder strain, while Ramirez was activated from the DL and started in the game. RHP Stephen Fife will start in Capuanos place on Saturday against Atlanta. ... Padres INF Yonder Alonso, who got hit by a pitch on his right hand last weekend, could return to the lineup on Wednesday. ' ' '

RE: General Tour Chat

WINNIPEG -- It was just another day in the office for Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin. Even though he scored once, added a pair of assists and heavy hits in Washingtons 4-0 win over the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday, he didnt think it was notable. "I felt normal," Ovechkin said. "If I have a chance to hit, why not?" Ovechkin boosted his teams intensity level by crushing Jets defenceman Mark Stuart and forward Bryan Little in the second period, sending the former to the dressing room. Stuart came back for one shift in the third period, but left the ice again. Jets head coach Claude Noel didnt have an update on his condition. Braden Holtby made 20 saves in his fourth shutout of the season and second against the Jets. He also blanked Winnipeg 3-0 on March 2, the only times Winnipeg has been shut out this season. Nicklas Backstrom scored once and had an assist for Washington (13-16-1), while Troy Brouwer and Marcus Johansson added goals as well. Ondrej Pavelec faced 25 shots as the Jets (16-13-2) had their three-game home winning streak snapped. Winnipeg stays in the Southeast Divisions top spot and the third seed in the Eastern Conference, two points ahead of the Carolina Hurricanes, who lost 4-1 to New Jersey on Thursday night. The Jets and Washington face off again Friday night in Winnipeg. "Its nice that its a short turnaround and we have a chance to redeem ourselves right away," said Jets captain Andrew Ladd. Washington head coach Adam Oates said Ovechkin was "good" and "solid." "Weve talked a lot about this, and he was more involved in the game," said Oates. "He needs to do the little things that let his game evolve and let Backie and Marcus evolve their games as well. "He ends up getting his goal, the (power play). It was late, but it doesnt matter, hes going to get it. He made a great play on the second goal and then he makes a good play on Backies (goal)." After a scoreless second period, Pavelec took a delay of game penalty late in the third and it proved costly. With Olli Jokinen serving the penalty, Ovechkin scored his 13th goal of the season. Backstrom sent a pass to Ovechkin and he fired it high on Pavelecs glove side at 14:06. It was then Ovechkins turn to send a pass to Backstrom in the high slot and he put the puck between Pavelec and the post at 18:22 of the third. Noel had no answers for what happened to his Jets, but said hed look at the film and try to find a solution for Friday. "We need to play better, that would be the first thing," Noel said. "Weve given up seven goals in two games (against Washington) and havent scored one. Theyre playing chess, were playing checkers." Brouwer opened the games scoring with a wrist shot from near the bottom of the faceoff circle that beat Pavelec at 3:06 of the first period, extending his points streak to three games (two goals, two assists). Brooks Laich assisted on the goal for his first point of the season after making his season debut March 19 following a lengthy groin injury. Late in the first, Ovechkin sent the puck past Winnipeg defenceman Dustin Byfuglien to Johannson, who redirected it into the net at 16:22 for the 2-0 lead. Capitals defenceman Mike Green was back on the ice after missing 10 games with a groin injury, which Oates said allowed fellow blue-liner John Carlson to have a bit of rest. "We keep him a little fresher, maybe a little sharper," Oates said. "It trickles down through the lineup." Youth Buccaneers Jersey . Corbin Watson recorded his fourth shutout of the tournament as the Canadians finished the tournament with an undefeated 5-0 record, outscoring their opponents 20-3. It is the third time Canada has won gold at the event, having taken the top prize in 2000 and 2008. Womens Darrelle Revis Jersey . Rizzo hit a two-run homer in the 10th inning and lifted the Chicago Cubs over the St. Louis Cardinals 4-2 on Sunday. [url=http://www.buccaneersportsgear.com/Advanced/Search?keywords=Throwback]http://www.buccaneersportsgear.com/Advanced/Search?keywords=Throwback .cas 2013 Play of the Year Showdown is the battle of the 2004 NHL entry draft. Youth Darrelle Revis Jersey . Jordan Zimmermann has been downright dominant. The right-hander turned in another dazzling performance with two-hit ball over eight innings, Ian Desmond hit a two-run homer in the fourth and the Nationals finally beat the Atlanta Braves, 2-0 Wednesday night. Elite Mike Alstott Jersey . The win gave the Dutch a 2-1 record in Group B and made sure they will play in the second round in Tokyo. Schoops homer capped a three-run second inning for the Dutch. Starting pitcher Robbie Cordemans allowed two hits in five innings. LONDON -- Gareth Bale, Luis Suarez and Robin van Persie have been nominated by their peers for Englands Player of the Year award. The Professional Footballers Association has shortlisted six players for the prize, with Michael Carrick, Eden Hazard and Juan Mata completing the list. Bale, who was Player of the Year in 2011, has scored 22 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions and leads Tottenhams charge for a place in next seasons Champions League.dddddddddddd The winger faces strong competition from Van Persie, last years winner, who has hit the net 25 times in his first season for Manchester United. Suarez has scored 29 goals for Liverpool, including a Premier League-high 22. Chelsea teammates Mata and Hazard are outsiders, along with Carrick, a Manchester United midfielder. The winner is to be announced on April 28. ' ' '

RE: General Tour Chat

Forty-seven of the countrys top young players arrived in Edmonton on Tuesday for the start of development camp in preparation for the 2012 World Junior Hockey Championship. The camp officially begins on Wednesday and Edmonton and Fort McMurray, AB and runs through Sunday. You can catch full coverage all week long on SportsCentre, Thats Hockey and on TSN.ca. This years camp comes seven months after Team Canada suffered a heartbreaking collapse at the hands of Team Russia in the 2011 gold medal game. And for the seven returning players at camp, the sting of that defeat still remains. "I try not to think about it to be honest," said Portland Winterhawks centre Ryan Johansen. "If I look back on it the one thing I can say is it was a great learning experience - its something Ill definitely remember for the rest of my life." The camp, however, is a chance to move on. "It was something hard to overcome," said Moose Jaw Warriors left-winger Quinton Howden. "But this is a new beginning, so jump on the train and get things going again." The other returnees joining Johansen and Howden at camp are goaltender Mark Visentin, defenceman Erik Gudbranson and forwards Brett Connolly, Sean Couturier, and Jaden Schwartz. The full development camp roster consists of four goaltenders, 17 defencemen and 26 forwards. Twenty of the players - including Edmonton Oilers prospect, and first overall pick, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, were taken in the NHL Entry Draft in June. Twenty-three players were 2010 draft picks, with Everett Silvertips blueliner Ryan Murray as the lone player eligible for next years draft. The Summer Development Camp is the first step in identifying players for Canadas National Junior Team for the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship, which begins on Boxing Day in Calgary and Edmonton. Many of the players at camp including Nugent-Hopkins, who was cut from the 2011 team, may not be available for Team Canada come tournament time though. "My goal is to make the Oilers," said Nugent-Hopkins. "But if I do get the chance to play for Team Canada its going to be incredible." Johansen, who would likely project as Team Canadas number one centre, could also be unavailable as he could stick with the Columbus Blue Jackets while Gudbranson could be playing for the Florida Panthers. The uncertainty is just another part of the process for picking a team said head coach Don Hay. "The NHL is obviously taking younger players with the salary cap situation some teams are under," said Hay. "Its going to be hard to tell until once the season starts." With the players at camp, the 2010 team looks to be a little bit smaller but potentially more skilled than last year. It will also be a younger team as many of the 18-year-olds will be given a legitimate chance to crack the squad. There are no cuts to be made at this camp but there will be four months from now, Hockey Canadas brass - led by head scout Kevin Prendergast - will monitor the players and other potential candidates before inviting a group of players to the final selection camp in December. From that selection camp, 22 players will be named to the final roster just prior to the tournament. The players, born in 1992 or 1993, were selected by Prendergast, in consultation with Hockey Canadas vice-president of hockey operations and national teams, Brad Pascall, Hockey Canadas senior director of hockey operations and national teams, Scott Salmond, head coach Hay and assistant coaches George Burnett and Ryan Huska. Elite Adrian Peterson Jersey . The top-seeded Li eased past countrymate Peng Shuai, 6-4, 6-0, while the fifth-seeded Zakopalova was a 6-1, 6-3 winner over Romanias Monica Niculescu. Li struggled with her serve in the first set and was broken twice, but managed to break Peng three times before dominating the second set. White Jared Allen Jersey . Johny Hendricks will step in for Hallman (knee) against T.J. Waldburger while American-based Briton James Wilks replaces Ludwig against Amir Sadollah. The UFC did not detail Ludwigs injury. [url=http://www.vikingssportsfanshop.com/pink-matt-cassel-womens-jersey-yg-13.html]http://www.vikingssportsfanshop.com/pink-matt-cassel-womens-jersey-yg-13.html . Hockey Canadas board of directors overwhelmingly voted to eliminate bodychecking for peewee players at its annual general meeting in Charlottetown on Saturday, with only the Saskatchewan Hockey Association voting against. Vikings Christian Ponder Jersey . Ryan Braun wasnt around on Sunday, either. The two names most frequently mentioned during the Milwaukee Brewers off-season werent a part of the teams fan festival in Milwaukee. Vikings #16 Jersey . Its 40 minutes of trapping and shot-challenging, of closing off angles, of trusting teammates. "We showed," senior guard Brendan Triche said, "that defence wins games. Cleveland, OH (Sports Network) - Travis Bucks two-run homer in the seventh inning was all the offense the Cleveland Indians would need in a 2-1 pitching duel win over the Cincinnati Reds. We continue to find a new hero each game and today it was Travis Buck, Cleveland manager Manny Acta said. He hit that big homer for us. Josh Tomlin (6-1) threw seven solid innings in his first appearance against a National League team for Cleveland, which has taken the first two of a three- game set against its interleague Ohio rival. The starter gave up just one run on three hits and struck out three. Homer Bailey was equally as strong for the Reds, but gave up the costly home run in the seventh to get his first loss of the season. Bailey (3-1) ended up allowing just four hits and had four strikeouts over seven-full frames. Scott Rolen drove in the lone run in the loss, Cincinnatis fourth straight. The pitching battle was evident early on with Bailey hurling a perfect 3 2/3 innings. Shin-Soo Choo, though, broke it up with a single into left field. Meanwhile, Tomlin retired 11 straight Reds, after a Jay Bruce walk in the second, before giving up a lead-off single to Ryan Hanigan in the sixth. Tomlin finally had a costly hiccup in the seventh inning by pegging Brandon Phillips with one out. Bruce then singled into center field to put men on the corners.dddddddddddd Cleveland defense didnt help its starter when Rolen hit a playable grounder to Orlando Cabrera, which could have been an inning-ending double play, but the ball clipped off his glove and allowed Phillips to scurry home for the all-important first run of the game. However, Bailey made a more devastating mistake during the home half. The pitcher elevated an 86-m.p.h. slider to Buck, who sent it into the right field seats for his first homer since April 20, 2010. I gave him a pitch he liked, Bailey said of Bucks homer. The ball cleared the fence by two inches, but it doesnt matter. Vinnie Pestano came into the eighth for the Indians and had three-straight strikeouts, despite giving up a leadoff single to Hanigan. Chris Perez then entered in the ninth and worked around a two walks to end the game and get his 12th save of the season. GAME NOTES:The Indians placed rookie hurler Alex White on the 15-day disabled list Saturday, one day after he left an outing against Cincinnati with right middle finger soreness...To fill Whites roster spot, the Indians recalled pitcher Josh Judy from Columbus...The game was declared a sellout (40,631 in attendance)...Tomlin threw just 85 pitches, 57 of them were strikes. ' ' '

RE: General Tour Chat

Canadian Brent Hayden easily advanced through the 100-metre freestyle heats on Tuesday, posting a time of 48.53 seconds -- the fifth-fastest of the morning races. Hayden, the 2007 World champion and 2011 World silver medallist in the event, was left disappointed at Beijing 2008. A hot favourite headed into that competition, he swam poorly in the semi-final to finish 14th overall. Now back for his third Olympic Games, Hayden, 28, is hopeful of a better finish. "In Beijing I htink I just went in with a little too much confidence thinking I was good enough to save the energy and still make the final," Hayden told CTVOlympics. "(Its important to) just know that everybody is trying to knock you out." Haydens time was not the fastest of the trials -- that honour went to American Nathan Adrian in 48.19 -- but just 0.34 seconds out of first, the swimmer from Mission, B.C., was very much in the mix. Canada has never won an Olympic medal in the mens 100m freestyle. "No matter what happens tonight I know Im going to walk out of there with no regrets, Ill know I gave it everything I got," he said. Hayden showed no lingering signs of the July 10 back spasm that left him on a hotel floor, unable to move. Hayden suffered what he has called the "second worst back spasm of [his] career" at a training camp in Sardinia, but said he was fully recovered by the time he arrived in London. Australias James Magnussen, the fastest sprinter of the world this year after posting a time of 47.10s at the Australian Olympic trials in March, finished just ahead of Hayden in 48.38. "I think I left a lot of room on the front end and I can get a little bit of a lead on Magnussen," Hayden said, "I know hes going to come out like a Missile like his nickname," he quipped. Yannick Agnel, the Frenchman who won his second gold medal in as many nights in Mondays 200m freestyle, also advanced, in 12th. Later on Tuesday, Canadians Scott Dickens of Ancaster, Ont., and Audrey Lacroix of Pont-Rouge, Que., advanced to their respective semi-final races. Lacroix, 28, posted a time of 2:09.25 to advance as the 15th seed in the womens 200m butterfly, while teammate Katerine Savard finished 19th and did not advance. Dickens, who finished 16th in the mens 100m breaststroke over the weekend, posted a time of 2:10.95 in the 200m race. Dickens was on pace to set a Canadian record for the first half of the race, but slowed on the back end to post the 13th-fastest time of the morning. Japans Kosuke Kitajima also advanced with a time of 2:09.43. Kitajima is the two-time reigning Olympic champion in the event, as well as the Olympic record holder. The United States and France set up another freestyle final showdown on Tuesday, joining Germany, Australia, Great Britain, China, South Africa and Hungary in mens 4x200m freestyle relay top-eight. France won gold in the 4x100m race on Sunday, while the United States took silver in that race. In the longer relay race, the U.S. team of Charlie Houchin, Matthew McLean, Davis Tarwater and Conor Dwyer finished first in the morning heats with a time of 7:06.75. France, made up of Jeremy Stravius, Gregory Mallet, Amaury Leveaux and Clement Lefert, was second in 7:09.18. Americans Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps, as well as Yannick Agnel, of France, are all likely to find themselves subbed into the Tuesday-evening final. Canadians Blake Worsley, Colin Russell, Tobias Oriwol and Alec Page finished 14th -- not good enough to qualify. Elite Aaron Rodgers Jersey .C. -- Canadas Lyndon Rush and Jesse Lumsden won their first two-man bobsled World Cup gold medal on Friday. Packers Gear . Well chat some hoops later in the week. Im heading to New Orleans and Orlando later in the week for Toronto Raptors games there. [url=http://www.packerssportsgear.com/pink-randall-cobb-womens-jersey-db-72.html]http://www.packerssportsgear.com/pink-randall-cobb-womens-jersey-db-72.html . Beating the Cardinals in July wont make up for that playoff defeat. But Simmons said its a start. Simmons hit a two-run double in the eighth inning and the Braves, boosted by Julio Teherans sharp outing, beat the Cardinals 2-0 Saturday in a matchup of NL division leaders. Green Bay Packers #12 Jersey . Messi set up David Villa to score Barcelonas opener in the 25th minute, and Villa returned the favour in the 40th for Messi to take his first goal. Villa linked up with Messi again in the 57th as the Argentina forward used a delicate chip shot to net his league-leading 42nd goal of the season and put the result beyond doubt. Womens Bart Starr Jersey . -- The Little League teams from Huntington Beach, Calif.INDIANAPOLIS -- Colts star quarterback Peyton Manning had neck surgery Monday in Chicago to repair a disk problem. Its the second neck surgery since February 2010 for Manning. The previous was to repair a pinched nerve, and this operation was less invasive and less complicated, team owner Jim Irsay said Tuesday at the NFL meetings. "He had a bulging disk," Irsay said of the NFLs only four-time league MVP. "The doctors removed a part of it. "Its usually a six-to-eight week recovery period. I think this is one you can bounce back from quickly." The surgery was performed at Chicagos Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Manning was back at home Tuesday. Even though the NFL has locked out its players, communication between teams and players in these cases is allowed. So Manning was able to contact the team and its doctors before heading to Chicago for the operation. "Now is the time to do it, the end of May," Irsay reasoned. "Hes had things tougher than this before.ddddddddddddquot; Irsay, of course, has a special interest in Manning, who has started 227 consecutive games including the playoffs, second only to Brett Favres 321. His contract is up, but there is little chance Irsay will allow the 35-year-old Manning to become a free agent once a labour agreement is reached. "He has a great chance to play five years," Irsay said. "Hes such a tough guy, takes care of himself and really, really works hard. This wont affect his long-term career. "I feel good about it. This doesnt affect the way I view (a new contract)." Irsay suggested that Mannings backup quarterbacks will throw more in training camp and see plenty of action in the preseason -- if the lockout ends in time to play those games. "Its like a baseball pitcher," Irsay said. "You want to limit the throws he takes. But I think he will be good to go for the preseason games." ' ' '

RE: General Tour Chat

DENVER - The Milwaukee Brewers needed six weeks and every run to win consecutive road games. Shaun Marcum tossed five solid innings before leaving with a strained neck and the Brewers survived a ninth-inning rally to beat the Colorado Rockies 4-3 on Sunday to split the four-game series. "Its unbelievable," closer John Axford of Simcoe, Ont., said. "Things werent looking too great in the first two games and its awesome to come out of here with a split." Rickie Weeks, Casey McGehee and Nyjer Morgan had two hits each for Milwaukee. The Brewers last won back-to-back road games when they swept a four-game series in Florida June 3-6. "Getting the splits huge," Marcum said. "Hopefully we can keep it going in Arizona and have a good series out there." It wasnt an easy finish for the Brewers or Axford, who got his 25th save after his second straight nail-biting ninth inning. Jonathan Herrera reached on an error by shortstop Josh Wilson and scored on Ty Wiggintons double to right to make it 4-3. Carlos Gonzalez grounded out to third for the first out, pinch-hitter Mark Ellis struck out looking and Jason Giambi followed with a walk. "Run scoring and a guy on second with nobody out, thats not the way you want to start out," Axford said. Troy Tulowitzki struck out on three pitches to end the threat. "We cant give Giambi anything he can hit out of the ballpark, even though you dont want to pitch to Tulowitzki either," manager Ron Roenicke said. "Well throw it in tough places and if they swing and get themselves out, thats good." Marcum (8-3) was cruising along until he gave up a leadoff homer to Giambi in the bottom of the sixth. He went to a 2-0 count on Tulowitzki when a Brewers trainer and Roenicke came to the mound to talk with Marcum. Marcum threw a few warmup pitches before being replaced by reliever LaTroy Hawkins. Marcum said he was injured when he landed on his right shoulder after throwing out Dexter Fowler on a bunt attempt on the last play of the fifth inning. "I landed on the backside of my shoulder and I jarred something in my back a little bit," he said. "Its a little stiff right now, but I dont think its anything to be too alarmed about. Keep doing the treatment and be ready the next time out." Marcum allowed two earned runs and four hits, struck out four and walked two in five-plus innings. Milwaukee took the lead for good in the fifth and chased Rockies starter Aaron Cook (0-5). Prince Fielder drew a one-out walk, Weeks singled and George Kottaras of Markham, Ont., followed with a double to left to score Fielder. Weeks was thrown out at home on the play, allowing Kottaras to advance to third. McGehee knocked in Kottaras with a single and came home on Wilsons double to make it 3-1. Matt Belisle relieved Cook and got the final out of the inning. "I felt all right but Im tired of losing," Cook said. "I got three pitches up in the zone in the fifth inning and those were the only bad ones that I made. I gave up those two runs and it ended up costing us the game." The Brewers made it 4-1 in the sixth when Corey Hart singled, took second on Morgans sacrifice and scored on Mark Kotsays single. Giambi had two hits, including a homer, and Seth Smith also had two hits for Colorado. Giambis 10th homer, into the third deck in right field, made it 4-2 in the sixth. The Rockies threatened for more against Hawkins, but Herrera grounded out to second with runners at first and third to end the rally. The Brewers scored first when Weeks led off the second with a double, moved to third on Kottaras ground out and scored on McGehees sacrifice fly. The Rockies tied it in the fourth when Fowler scored from second on Smiths single off Weeks glove. NOTES: OF Ryan Braun was held out of the lineup with tightness in his left calf and hamstring but pinch hit in the ninth. Manager Ron Roenicke said Braun could play Monday at Arizona. ... Giambis homer was the second one hit into the third deck at Coors Field this season. Womens Jack Tatum Jersey . Louis Blues goaltender Jaroslav Halak is the latest NHL player to go overseas, as his agent Allan Walsh tweeted Wednesday that he has signed with Lausitzer of the German Bundesliga. Raiders John Matuszak Jersey . The Toronto quarterback has been outstanding his last four starts, a key reason why the Argonauts will face the Calgary Stampeders in the 100th Grey Cup on Sunday night at Rogers Centre. [url=http://www.raiderssportsfanstore.com/Raiders-Darren-Mcfadden-Nike-Jersey-Gq-11.html]http://www.raiderssportsfanstore.com/Raiders-Darren-Mcfadden-Nike-Jersey-Gq-11.html . Tall, rangy and powerful, Jones matched Melzer shot for shot in a first set that contained no breaks of serve. He rallied from 6-4 down in the tiebreaker before closing out the second set in only 30 minutes, belying a ranking that had slumped from 187th to 373rd during 2012. Raiders Kenny Stabler Jersey . With the victory, Moose Jaw moves to within eight points of Medicine Hat for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. "Were approaching every game like its a playoff game and I think were all aware that if we want to play in the playoffs this year we have to play hard every night," said Rielly. Elite Willie Brown Jersey . -- The last time the Baltimore Ravens won a Super Bowl, they mounted an all-out charge to pull off an encore.The City of North Bay has approved an agreement in principle that is designed to allow the Brampton Battalion to relocate north in time for the 2013-14 Ontario Hockey League season. North Bay was the home of the OHLs Centennials from 1982-2002, when the club moved south to become the Saginaw Spirit. The deal is subject to approval by the OHL Board of Governors, and is contingent on the city of North Bay selling 2,000 season tickets in a community campaign. "Im pleased that weve reached an agreement-in-principle and look forward to the support of hockey fans in North Bay," said Battalion owner Scott Abbott. "The city has a rich hockey history, and we hope to add to it. Theres a longstanding association with the military in the community, and it will be a goal of ours to build a Memoorial Cup championship team at Memorial Gardens.dddddddddddd" "On behalf of the citizens of the city of North Bay and members of council, I extend our thanks to Battalion owner Scott Abbott for his commitment to relocate the team to our community," said North Bay Mayor Al McDonald. "Hes considered by many to be the most passionate owner in all of hockey, and I have assured him that fans in North Bay will embrace the return of the OHL to a place it belongs." The Battalion joined the OHL as an expansion team for the 1998-99 season. Their 15-year lease at the Powerade Centre expires at the end of this season. The City of North Bay has committed $12 million to renovate and expand the Memorial Gardens - the same arena where the Centennials played a decade ago. ' ' '

Re: General Tour Chat

By my best guess, looking at patterns in her previous announcements and dates, we can expect the aussie leg of the tour to be in October/November and dates could be announced as early as July._________________________________________________________________
If you was as Real as me, you would never let another girl sit in your Throne!